Tributes have flooded in for a celebrated community champion who died shortly after his 80th birthday.

Campaigner and businessman John Corcoran MBE has been described as a “committed community activist” who devoted his life to helping others.

Last week, hundreds of well-wishers packed into Our Lady and St Marks in Alexandria to pay respect to the great-grandfather, who was described as touching the lives of all who knew him.

Speaking this week, on behalf of herself and her siblings, his daughter Julie Crombie said: “The strength that he showed and his love for us is something that we will never forget.”

John, who lived in Latta Street Dumbarton, was honorary president of Dunbartonshire Chamber of Commerce and was instrumental in setting the organisation up 15 years ago.

He was also chair of the Central Alexandria Tenants and Residents Association and well known as a tireless campaigner for the Vale of Leven Hospital.

He fought to retain doctors’ practices in the heart of Alexandria as well as being involved in the Alexandria regeneration group.

And his community efforts earned him the title of Vale of Leven citizen of the year in 2003.

He went on to be awarded an MBE on the Queen’s birthday list for services to business in 2011.

At the time, he told the Lennox Herald: “I was completely and utterly shocked when I heard and of course extremely pleased. I’m absolutely delighted.”

This week, close friend Rev Ian Miller paid tribute to John, who died on April 23 after a lengthy illness.

He said: “John was a remarkable man in many ways. One word seemed to characterise him and that word was commitment.

“His commitment to those things that mattered to him was always total — commitment to his family, his friends, his faith, his community and his work.

“Even with his health issues he continued to work until the very last day of his life. What commitment, what dedication and inspiration.

“After his passing tributes have poured in from all around the world.”

Daughter Julie added: “Dad worked hard his entire life.

“No matter where his career took him he had a strong work ethic. “This is one of the greatest qualities that he taught us. “Whether it was at work, or campaigning for many of the projects he was involved in, our dad always put in 100 percent.

“Even though his health was deteriorating he always remained strong and was optimistic, always showing the most concern for us and how we were doing. He did not want us to feel sorry for him. ”

Since establishing the chamber, John worked tirelessly to promote the organisation, initially as development officer and as chief executive until December 2010.

He latterly became an honorary president while focusing on his own company St Andrew’s College in Glasgow which offers English lessons and beginners classes in Spanish and Italian.

In January this year, the Lennox Herald told how big-hearted John organised a romantic proposal on the bonnie banks for one of his former Spanish students.

Mexican couple Jose Alberto Mariann Rico romantic proposal at Duck Bay Marina Loch Lomond with John Corcoran - who taught the Mariann English and helped set up the surprise on January 24. (Image: Lennox Herald)

Mariann Rico, from Mexico, and John struck up a close friendship while she was studying at the college and she affectionately called him “papa”.

Her fiance Jose Alberto popped the question at Loch Lomond and delighted Mariann said yes.

John was particularly committed to the chamber of commerce, with chief executive Damon Scott saying that he has left behind a huge legacy.

Speaking to the Lennox Herald, Damon said: “He was our founding father and did a huge amount for businesses over the years.

“Anyone who talks about John will mention his enthusiasm. He also touched the lives of all who knew him. He lived and breathed the chamber of commerce.

“He was a mentor and inspiration to me – he has left behind a legacy. “

John was born in Middlesex and left school at the age of 14 to become an apprentice butcher.

National service called when he was 18 but the perks of being enlisted attracted him so he signed up for three years.

While on holiday in Jersey, he met Mary and the couple married and lived in addresses in Napierston Terrace, Alexander Street and then Bramblehedge Path in Jamestown. John went on to be a devoted father to John, Thomas, Julie and Angela.

He was also a much-loved grandfather to Jenny, Hayley, Josh, Erin, Michael, David and Murray, and great-granddad to Ava. He leaves behind his loving partner May Quigley.